Kirk raises $2.2 million this year in Senate bid

Giannoulias criticizes source of donations

April 07, 2010|By John Chase and Rick Pearson, Tribune Reporters

Republican U.S. Senate nominee Mark Kirk raised $2.2 million since the start of the year, his campaign announced Wednesday.

The figure is the first fundraising total released since the five-term North Shore congressman won the nomination Feb. 2. Kirk faces Democratic state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias for the Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama. It's currently occupied by appointed Democratic Sen. Roland Burris, who is not seeking election.

With the infusion of cash, Kirk's campaign said it has more than $3 million left ahead of the November election. While the campaign made its money announcement Wednesday, it did not make available its financial report.

Giannoulias' campaign declined to release its fundraising totals, but criticized Kirk for taking campaign contributions from corporate political action committees and federal lobbyists. Giannoulias has pledged not to accept political donations from those sources.

The candidates have until April 15 to file their campaign finance reports with the Federal Election Commission.

Also Wednesday, Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan had a bit of a chuckle at the expense of Giannoulias, a fellow Democrat.

Asked if the problems at the Giannoulias family-owned Broadway Bank would affect the candidate's voter support in the Senate contest, Madigan replied, "I'm glad I don't have any deposits there."

Federal regulators have said the bank must be recapitalized or it could face a takeover this month. Giannoulias had touted his banking expertise in running for treasurer in 2006.

In the primary, Giannoulias defeated a candidate who was backed by Madigan and the state Democratic party.

Despite the slight jab at the bank's woes, Madigan said he's supporting Giannoulias against Kirk.

"I'm supporting all the Democratic candidates. (Giannoulias) has been a successful candidate in the past. You'll recall he won a contested primary when he was elected as the treasurer," said Madigan.